Preschool Lead Teacher

Early Alpine Academy; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay of $28/hour

10 days paid time off

Health insurance with employer contrib

401(k) with employer match

Subsidized childcare

Job summary

Early Alpine Academy in Bozeman is looking for a Lead Preschool Teacher to create a warm, joyful classroom for 3- and 4-year-olds. This role centers on building meaningful relationships and teaching through play, utilizing knowledge of child development to facilitate rich learning experiences.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of their classroom, lead an Assistant Teacher, and engage closely with families to support each child's growth.

Qualifications

• Eligible for Montana Registry Level 2 for early childhood educators.
• Experience working with young children in a group setting.
• Dependable and punctual with a consistent schedule from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with children.
• Teach through play and create supportive environments.
• Lead and collaborate with an Assistant Teacher.
• Observe and partner with families regarding children's development.
• Maintain a safe and organized classroom.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Classroom management

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Early Childhood Education

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

About Early Alpine Academy

Early Alpine Academy is a play-based, relationship-driven early learning program located in the heart of downtown Bozeman. We serve children from infancy through preschool with consistent daily rhythms, a team that truly shows up, and a deep commitment to connection—between teachers and children, between families and caregivers, and within our teaching team itself.

Our classrooms and outdoor space are full of joyful play, hands-on exploration, and rich opportunities for social-emotional growth. Whether we’re building with blocks, exploring nature, or diving into art and STEAM projects, we believe learning happens best when children feel safe, seen, and excited to be here. We work closely with Bozeman’s working families to create a warm, dependable partnership—and a daily experience that feels as good as it is developmentally sound.

About the Role

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you’ll lead a classroom of children generally ages 3–4, creating a place where children feel deeply known, genuinely cared for, and excited to come each day.

Relationships are at the foundation of how we teach, but great early childhood education goes far beyond simply loving kids. We’re looking for a teacher with a strong understanding of how young children learn and develop—and who knows how to turn that knowledge into joyful, purposeful days filled with play, exploration, connection, and growth.

You’ll think about the whole child: social-emotional development, language and communication, fine and gross motor skills, independence, creativity, problem solving, and early academic concepts. Rather than bringing elementary school down to preschool, you’ll know how to create environments and experiences where meaningful learning happens naturally through play.

You’ll also take real ownership of your classroom. You’ll lead an Assistant Teacher, plan and manage the daily rhythm, communicate closely with families, and ensure your classroom is safe, organized, and meeting Early Alpine’s expectations and licensing requirements.

This role is ideal for an early childhood educator who loves children, understands their development, and is ready to take ownership of a classroom while being part of a collaborative team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building meaningful relationships with children and creating a warm, joyful classroom where 3- and 4-year-olds feel safe, known, and excited to spend their days

• Teaching through play, using your knowledge of child development and children’s interests to create thoughtful experiences and environments that support social-emotional, language, cognitive, physical, creative, and emerging academic development

• Supporting children through big emotions, challenging behaviors, friendships, and growing independence with developmentally appropriate expectations, patience, consistency, and connection

• Taking ownership of your classroom, planning ahead, managing daily rhythms and transitions, and creating an engaging, well-run environment

• Leading and collaborating with an Assistant Teacher, providing clear direction, sharing responsibilities, and creating a strong classroom team

• Observing children and partnering with families, staying attuned to each child’s development and sharing meaningful observations, updates, and milestones through Brightwheel and daily conversations

• Maintaining a safe and organized classroom that consistently meets licensing requirements and Early Alpine’s standards for supervision, health, safety, and care

Requirements

• Meets state requirements for early childhood educators, including eligibility for Montana Registry Level 2, the ability to pass background checks, and current (or soon-to-be) CPR/First Aid certification

• Experience working with young children in a group setting

• Physically able to lift, carry, and engage with children throughout the day

• Dependable, punctual, and able to work a consistent 8 AM–4 PM schedule

• Strong communicator—kind, clear, and comfortable with both children and adults

• Calm, flexible, and steady in a busy classroom environment

Compensation & Benefits

We believe caring for children starts with caring for our team. Early Alpine offers a thoughtful benefits package designed to support your health, family, and long-term wellbeing.

• Starting pay of $28/hour, with additional pay based on ECP Registry Level

• Paid time off starting at 10 days per year, increasing with tenure

• 5 paid sick days annually, in addition to PTO

• Paid holidays

• Health insurance with employer contribution

• Dental, vision, voluntary life & AD&D, and accident insurance options

• Health Savings Account (HSA) availability

• 401(k) with employer match—you contribute 6%, and Early Alpine contributes 4.5%

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child

• Employer-paid life & AD&D insurance

• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage

• Sabbatical program with a cash bonus and additional time off at 5, 10, and 15 years

• Subsidized childcare at Early Alpine